Medal Issued by the Swiss Cantons on the Birth of Princess Claude of France 1547

This medal, crafted by Hans Jacob Stampfer, commemorates the birth of Princess Claude of France. Encircling the medal are the heraldic shields of the Swiss Cantons, symbols of alliance and regional identity. At the medal's heart, a hand emerges, index finger pointing skyward. This gesture, the *digitus monstrans*, is steeped in history. In antiquity, it signified divine guidance, and the singular path. One can trace it through centuries, from classical oratory, to religious art, where John the Baptist uses it to indicate Christ. Yet, here, its reappearance marks not just the auspicious birth, but also a blessing, a silent invocation for the princess’s future. It transcends mere indication; it embodies hope. This symbol, deeply rooted in collective memory, taps into our shared subconscious. The hand, reaching towards the heavens, embodies the desire for guidance, for a connection to something greater. It is a potent, cyclical motif, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and reminding us of our enduring quest for meaning.